TBFC vs. DBE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

TBFC (The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF) and DBE (Invesco DB Energy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - TBFC is a Tactical Allocation fund actively managed by Brinsmere, while DBE is a Oil & Gas fund tracking the DBIQ Optimum Yield Energy Index. TBFC is actively managed, while DBE is passively managed. Over the past year, TBFC returned 14.88% vs 36.16% for DBE. At a correlation of -0.10, they often move in opposite directions. TBFC charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.78%/yr for DBE.

Performance

TBFC vs. DBE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF (TBFC) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TBFC achieves a 5.52% return, which is significantly lower than DBE's 54.94% return.

TBFC

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.91%
• YTD: 5.52%
• 6M: 5.52%
• 1Y: 14.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DBE

• 1D: -1.50%
• 1M: -15.70%
• YTD: 54.94%
• 6M: 54.06%
• 1Y: 36.16%
• 3Y*: 17.07%
• 5Y*: 14.87%
• 10Y*: 10.19%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

TBFC vs. DBE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TBFC The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF	5.52%	11.38%	8.22%
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	54.94%	-2.17%	0.09%

Correlation

The correlation between TBFC and DBE is -0.32, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 2024	-0.10

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between TBFC and DBE has strengthened: their correlation has moved from -0.10 to -0.32, meaning they now move in opposite directions more often than their long-term average.

Return for Risk

TBFC vs. DBE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

TBFC

TBFC Risk / Return Rank: 67
TBFC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
TBFC Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
TBFC Omega Ratio Rank: 74
TBFC Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
TBFC Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DBE

DBE Risk / Return Rank: 32
DBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
DBE Omega Ratio Rank: 30
DBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
DBE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

TBFC vs. DBE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF (TBFC) and Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	TBFC	DBE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.19	1.03	+1.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.08	1.55	+1.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.20	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.74	1.75	+0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.35	5.77	+5.58

TBFC vs. DBE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TBFC Sharpe Ratio is 2.19, which is higher than the DBE Sharpe Ratio of 1.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TBFC and DBE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

TBFC vs. DBE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TBFC drawdown since its inception was -8.89%, smaller than the maximum DBE drawdown of -86.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TBFC and DBE.

Drawdown Indicators

	TBFC	DBE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.89%	-86.69%	+77.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.45%	-20.78%	+15.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.89%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-38.74%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-60.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.47%	-41.18%	+40.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.06%	-57.24%	+56.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.31%	8.02%	-6.71%

Volatility

TBFC vs. DBE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF (TBFC) is 2.89%, while Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) has a volatility of 9.38%. This indicates that TBFC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DBE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TBFC	DBE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.89%	9.38%	-6.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.82%	31.50%	-25.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.84%	35.33%	-28.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.27%	29.58%	-22.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.27%	28.37%	-21.10%

TBFC vs. DBE - Expense Ratio Comparison

TBFC has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is lower than DBE's 0.78% expense ratio.

Dividends

TBFC vs. DBE - Dividend Comparison

TBFC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.93%, more than DBE's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
DBE Invesco DB Energy Fund	2.49%	3.86%	6.32%	3.87%	0.75%	0.00%	0.00%	1.79%	1.67%
TBFC The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF	2.93%	3.28%	2.98%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TBFC and DBE in my portfolio?

TBFC and DBE have a correlation of -0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TBFC or DBE?

DBE has higher volatility (9.38%) compared to TBFC (2.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TBFC dropped -8.89% vs DBE's -86.69%.

Which ETF is better, TBFC or DBE?

On 1-year performance, DBE leads with 36.16% vs 14.88% for TBFC. On fees, TBFC is cheaper at 0.44% per year. On volatility, TBFC has been the lower-risk option at 2.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TBFC or DBE?

Over the 1-year period, DBE has performed better with a 36.16% return vs 14.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TBFC or DBE?

TBFC is cheaper with a 0.44% expense ratio, compared with 0.78% for DBE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TBFC or DBE?

TBFC has the higher dividend yield at 2.93%, compared with 2.49% for DBE.

What is the main difference between TBFC and DBE?

TBFC is categorized as Tactical Allocation, while DBE is Oil & Gas. They also come from different issuers: Brinsmere and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for TBFC and 0.78% for DBE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TBFC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.19 vs 1.03), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.